Going overboard with self-pleasure can have unexpected effects on your body and mind, doctors warn.
A medical expert has outlined the potential downsides of overdoing it when it comes to masturbation, while another specialist offered tips on figuring out where to draw the line.
Dr. Surya Bhagwati, the lead in-house doctor at Dr. Vaidya’s in India, has taken on the common myths about what happens if you pleasure yourself too often.
In a blog post, she wrote: “Masturbation itself is not bad. It is perfectly innocuous and has many positive effects in moderation, for example, reducing stress or helping one get a good night’s sleep.”
That said, Dr. Bhagwati made it clear that in some cases, even a moderate habit can start causing problems if it’s not kept in check. She listed a handful of physical and emotional effects that can show up with overuse.
Meanwhile, intimacy educator Leeza Mangaldas shared her thoughts on how much is too much when it comes to solo play.
Speaking on her YouTube channel, Mangaldas noted: “There is no single one-size-fits-all answer for this, you get to decide.”
How much is too much?
Getty Stock Image
Promoted Content
Mila Kunis Opens Up About Ashton’s Secret Health Struggles
Brainberries
9 Iconic Roles Nobody Wanted To Play
Brainberries
Most Extravagant Gifts Celebrity Couples Have Given Each Other
Brainberries
8 Pioneering Women In Science History You Should Know About
Herbeauty
The Health Benefits Of Watching Horror Movies
Brainberries
Side Effects Linked to Excessive Masturbation
Feelings of Guilt
Dr. Bhagwati pointed out that when people go overboard, it can sometimes lead to feeling guilty—whether due to cultural pressure, social stigma, or personal beliefs.
She explained: “For whatever reason, no one by nature really has to feel ashamed, but people do tend to feel guilty if their habits interfere with other things in life.”
Low Self-Esteem
The doctor also emphasized how emotional distress can build up over time. “A person, if being uncomfortable about his masturbation practices, might start to beat himself for it or lose self-esteem.”
If this starts becoming an issue, she recommends reaching out to a mental health professional to help address the guilt and boost confidence.
Trouble Focusing
“One of the harmful effects of masturbation is that it can affect the degree of concentration and productivity because it acts as an obstruction between work, study, or personal activities and has to be regulated by setting personal boundaries for focus,” Dr. Bhagwati added, noting that it can be tough to stay productive when urges get in the way of daily goals.
Fatigue and Low Energy
Over-masturbation, especially late at night, might lead to fatigue due to a lack of proper sleep.
As she explained: “It can also become tiring when done excessively without recovery time. Generally, it varies with rest and moderation.”
Excessive masturbation can cause various side effects
Getty Stock Image
Feeling Socially Awkward
“Some people who experience over masturbation side effects become extremely shy in social communities due to reasons of potentially feeling guilty or ashamed about their actions,” Dr. Bhagwati noted. She also said this can sometimes lead to a knock in confidence, making social interaction more uncomfortable.
Disruptions in Daily Life
Dr. Bhagwati warned that if someone’s masturbation habit is affecting their ability to focus on work, relationships, or regular responsibilities, it could start to chip away at their overall quality of life.
Leeza Mangaldas echoed this, saying that as long as it’s not disrupting school, work, or family time, you’re likely in the clear.
Genital Swelling
In her blog, Dr. Bhagwati mentioned: “Excessive masturbation might sometimes cause temporary swelling of the genital area because of the increased blood supply to that region.”
However, she reassured readers that this is typically harmless and tends to go away on its own with time.
Loss of Sensitivity
“Overstimulation through too much masturbation can sometimes reduce the sensitivity, and it becomes difficult to enjoy the pleasure in actual sexual intercourse,” she explained. “This is a temporary phenomenon that can be lessened through control over frequency and by changing habits.”
Premature Ejaculation
Dr. Bhagwati noted that some people may experience quicker ejaculation during sex due to patterns built up from solo sessions. She said this could cause carry-over habits that affect intimacy in relationships.
Pleasuring yourself too frequently can actually lead to swollen genitals
Getty Stock Image
Common Myths Debunked
The doctor also took the time to call out some widely spread misinformation. She explained that there’s no scientific evidence linking frequent masturbation to hair loss, smaller size, fewer sperm, or even prostate cancer.
On the topic of prostate health, she wrote: “There are no clear conclusions involving masturbation and the risks of prostate cancer. On the contrary, increased frequency of ejaculation – be it from masturbation or any sexual activity-is believed to offer protection by helping flush out unhealthy substances in the prostate.”
She also added that things like lower back pain are usually the result of bad posture—though she admitted it’s technically possible to strain your back if you’re not careful with how you position yourself.
Dr. Bhagwati wrapped things up by saying: “One should know what side effects of excessive masturbation can do to you. It’s good to make informed choices about your sexual health and overall well-being,”
“You can also try natural remedies for erectile dysfunction, but always remember that moderation is the key.”
At the end of the day, it really all comes down to balance. Like most things in life, moderation is key